Rutgers WBB coach C. Vivian Stringer taking a leave of absence

On Sunday morning, Rutgers University Athletics announced Stringer’s leave in a press release. While she is on leave, the Scarlet Knights will be led by assistant coach Timothy Eatman. He is in his fourth season on the staff and has served as an acting head coach for three games in 2016 during the illness and passing of Stringer’s mother.

Stringer is expected to return to the sideline following the B1G Tournament, which will be held from March 6 – March 10 on Indianapolis.

“As you can imagine this was not an easy decision, however, in consultation with my doctors, it is in my best interest to spend time to get healthy before returning to the day-to-day grind of coaching,” Stringer said. “I would not be able to do this without the faith my assistants Tim Eatman, Kelley Gibson, and Nadine Domond to handle the program in my absence.”

Stringer is in her 48th year as a head coach and 24th season with Rutgers. Earlier this year, she recorded her 1,000 career victory.

Rutgers are 18-8 overall this season and 10-5 in B1G play, good enough for third in the conference. There are three league games left in the season for the Scarlet Knights.

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB